Problem Gambling Treatment in Arkansas

Casino gaming: Interestingly, gambling descended upon Arkansas all at once. In the same year (2018) that the U.S. federal government removed the ban on sports betting, Arkansas approved a constitutional amendment to allow casinos for the first time. The amendment provided the Arkansas Racing Commission the authority to license and regulate casino gambling in four locations. Two casinos are found at Arkansas racetracks, and two are owned and operated by Native American tribes. Residents also have access to five Oklahoma casinos that are operated along Arkansas‘ western border.

Online sports betting: As alluded to above, sports betting (and daily fantasy sports) became legal in the state in the same month (November) and year (2018) as casino gaming. Further, sports betting in Arkansas is legal and operational both online and at land-based locations. At first, sports betting was only available in person at casinos, but a law change in late 2021 permitted the launch of online betting in March 2022. Currently, there are three online sportsbooks available in Arkansas. In addition, daily fantasy sports (DFS) are legal to play in Arkansas. Regulated DFS platforms are allowed to operate legally under Act 1075 of 2017, which states that DFS is not gambling, although known harms to vulnerable individuals are essentially the same as with traditional forms of gambling and sports betting.

Problem gambling statistics specific to the state are limited, but the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council recently reported the following:

• Year-over-year problem gambling help line calls have increased 22%

Meanwhile, Arkansas residents share the following problem gambling statistics with the rest of the country:

• 20% of sports bettors are in or have been in debt from sports betting ( source )
• Average gambling addict (male) debt is between $55,000 and $90,000 ( source )
• About 3% of problem gamblers in the USA are $300,000 in debt due to their addiction ( source )
• Nearly 15% of problem gamblers have committed a crime to support their addiction ( source )
• Divorce rate for habitual gamblers is 31% compared to 21% for those who rarely gamble ( source )
• Suicide rate is 16 times higher for problem gamblers ( source )

Kindbridge provides effective treatment in a virtual (online or by-phone) environment. Our counselors are accessible, whether you’re in Bentonville, Little Rock, Fort Smith, Conway, Rogers, or any of the other cities, towns, and communities within the Natural State.

In addition to problem gambling, Kindbridge counselors have expertise treating other mental/behavioral health issues that you may live with, such as anxiety and depression which impact 40% of the population in AR. When seeking support from Kindbridge, you have the option to choose from one-on-one therapy, group therapy, or a combined approach. You also have the option to switch therapists at anytime, should you feel as that a better match awaits.

A problematic relationship with casino gaming os sports betting also has an impact on loved ones. In addition to gambling addiction treatment for individuals in AR, Kindbridge provides couples and family counseling.

Kindbridge Behavioral Health offers flexible pricing for online and telehealth counseling. Problem gambling treatment rates and subscriptions can be found here. AR residents may also qualify for direct billing through our insurance partners.